“I cannot go at present,” the physician answered. “I am in the greatest extremity myself, just now, over a case of life or death, and only for the want of a little pure blood which no one will give.” Salome Howland, for she was the nurse, was all interest at once, and, lifting her eager, earnest face to his, asked: “What is it—tell me, please?” She was a favorite with Dr. Hunt, and he explained the case to her. “He’s a magnificent fellow, and it is the greatest pity in the world to let him die, without giving him this chance,” he said in conclusion. “And isn’t there anybody who will make so simple a sacrifice for him?” the girl inquired, a curl of scorn wreathing her lips. “No. I can’t find a man among all the nurses who has courage enough to let me open a vein. I’d give my own blood gladly, only there is no one else who can conduct the operation. Heavens! I am getting desperate enough to gag and bind some one and forcibly take his blood,” Dr. Hunt concluded, as he gnawed his under lip savagely. There was a moment of silence; then the fair girl before him said, quietly: “Dr. Hunt, I will give this young man a chance for his life—you shall take from my veins all the blood that you need.” The physician started and regarded her with astonishment. He had not thought of calling upon a woman for his experiment. “Child!” he cried, “do you mean it?” “I certainly do, doctor.” “But,” scanning her face critically, “you do not look as if you had any blood to spare.” “Why—because I am pale?” she asked, then added: “That is natural to me, as you ought to know by this time, though, perhaps, the excitement of the moment has intensified my paleness a trifle. But I am well and strong, and I know my blood is pure. I have never been ill. I have no taint of disease about me. I have perfect confidence in you, Dr. Hunt, and I know that if I am well cared for afterward my veins will soon be so replenished as to make up for the blood that you take from me. Do not hesitate—do not waste precious time, but save this man’s life if you can,” she concluded, with an earnestness, yet with a calmness which won both his gratitude and admiration. He laid his fingers upon her pulse. It beat full and strong beneath them, with the flowing of the pure vigorous current of her life. “You are a noble girl!” he cried, as he ushered her into the room from which he had but just come. “There is the man who needs your blood!” Dr. Hunt immediately dispatched a runner to tell the head nurse of the ward Salome served in that he required her services for the present, and her place must be filled by another. Then he hastened the preparations for his vital experiment. A second cot was moved close beside the one on which the young physician lay, and a tall screen drawn around them, while all other necessary appliances were hastily arranged. Salome was then led forward to the patient.